Classic Worsted Knit Beanie

A versatile, top-quality knitted beanie worked in the round. Bottom-up construction with optional folded brim. Written for 5 sizes; easy fit adjustments and clear finishing instructions. Designer: PurlJam. Support: team@verde.uk. Website: purljam.verde.uk. Socials: #purljam

Sizes (finished circumference x height)

• Baby: 14" (35.5 cm) x 5" (13 cm)
• Child: 16" (41 cm) x 6" (15 cm)
• Teen/Small Adult: 18" (46 cm) x 7" (18 cm)
• Adult: 21" (53 cm) x 8" (20 cm)
• Large: 24" (61 cm) x 9" (23 cm)

Yarn

Worsted/Aran weight (US 4). Suggested: 100% wool or wool blend for structure and warmth.

• Baby: ~75 yd (69 m) / ~50 g
• Child: ~100 yd (91 m) / ~75 g
• Teen: ~150 yd (137 m) / ~100 g
• Adult: ~200 yd (183 m) / ~100 g (1 skein typical)
• Large: ~225 yd (206 m) / ~115 g

Needles & Notions

• Circular needles 16"/40 cm (preferred) or 24"/60 cm for larger sizes. Use magic-loop or DPNs if you prefer. Recommended needle(s):
• For ribbing: US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm
• For body: US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm (this gauge gives a slightly slouchy, soft fabric)
• Optional alternative for firmer fabric: US 6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, small scrap yarn for provisional cast-on if making a folded brim, scissors.

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette on US 8 / 5.0 mm. Check gauge and adjust needle size to match.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• CO = cast on
• PM = place marker

Cast On & Brim

Cast on the number of stitches for your size using long-tail cast-on (or preferred stretchy CO), then join to work in the round taking care not to twist.

• Baby: CO 64 sts
• Child: CO 72 sts
• Teen/Small Adult: CO 80 sts
• Adult: CO 96 sts
• Large: CO 108 sts

Place marker for beginning of round.

Ribbing options (choose one):

1. Folded brim (recommended for extra warmth): Work 2" (5 cm) in k2,p2 rib on US 7 / 4.5 mm, then switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm and continue in stockinette (knit every round). If you want to fold the brim, you can cast on twice the brim stitches using provisional CO and graft when finished, or pick up stitches along the inside edge to attach the fold.
2. Single-layer brim: Work 1.5-2" (4-5 cm) in k2,p2 rib on US 7 / 4.5 mm then switch to US 8 / 5.0 mm and continue in stockinette.

Body

Continue in stockinette (knit every round) until total hat height from cast-on reaches:

• Baby: ~5" (13 cm) measured to crown start
• Child: ~6" (15 cm)
• Teen: ~7" (18 cm)
• Adult: ~8" (20 cm)
• Large: ~9" (23 cm)

Adjust length for preferred slouch: shorten by 0.5-1" for a tighter beanie; add length for more slouch.

Crown Decreases — General Method

We use an every-other-round decrease sequence. On decrease rounds work evenly spaced k2tog decreases across the round; on the following round knit all stitches. Repeat decreasing rounds, reducing the number of non-decrease knit stitches between decreases by one each decrease round, until about 6–10 stitches remain. Draw yarn through remaining stitches and secure. Below are two ways to approach decreases: a measured sequence example for the Adult 96-st version and a general rule you can apply to any size.

Example: Adult (96 sts)

1. Rnd 1 (decrease): *k7, k2tog* repeat to end — 12 decreases → 84 sts
2. Rnd 2: knit
3. Rnd 3 (decrease): *k6, k2tog* repeat to end — 12 decreases → 72 sts
4. Rnd 4: knit
5. Rnd 5 (decrease): *k5, k2tog* repeat to end — 12 decreases → 60 sts
6. Rnd 6: knit
7. Rnd 7 (decrease): *k4, k2tog* repeat — 12 decreases → 48 sts
8. Rnd 8: knit
9. Rnd 9 (decrease): *k3, k2tog* repeat — 12 decreases → 36 sts
10. Rnd 10: knit
11. Rnd 11 (decrease): *k2, k2tog* repeat — 12 decreases → 24 sts
12. Rnd 12: knit
13. Rnd 13 (decrease): *k1, k2tog* repeat — 12 decreases → 12 sts
14. Rnd 14: knit
15. Rnd 15 (decrease): *k2tog* repeat — 6 decreases → 6 sts
16. Finish: cut yarn leaving ~8" (20 cm), thread through tapestry needle, draw through remaining sts, pull tight, secure on wrong side and weave in ends.

General Method for Any Size

1. Decide how many decreases you want per decrease round; a common choice is 8–12 decreases depending on stitch count and even division. For smooth shaping choose a number that divides evenly into your stitch count (e.g., 64 → 8 repeats, 72 → 9 repeats, 80 → 10 repeats, 96 → 12 repeats, 108 → 12 repeats with slightly larger knit sections).
2. On the first decrease round: work evenly spaced decreases so there are an equal number of knit stitches between each decrease (for example for 96 sts and 12 decreases: *k7, k2tog*).
3. Knit the next round.
4. On the next decrease round reduce the number of knit stitches between decreases by one (for the example: *k6, k2tog*), then knit one round.
5. Continue this pair of rounds—decrease round then knit round—until you have 6–10 sts remaining. At this stage, you can either continue reducing to 4–6 sts and close, or use kitchener grafting if you prefer a smoother top.
6. Finish by threading yarn through remaining sts and pulling closed, or switch to DPNs when stitches become too few to sit comfortably on your circular and work decreases to closure.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends on the wrong side.
2. Fold the brim if you made a folded brim choice and sew down securely with matching yarn and mattress stitch, or graft the provisional cast-on if used.
3. Block lightly if desired: steam or wet-block sparingly for even stitches; reshaping the crown gently.

Fit Adjustments & Notes

• If your gauge is tighter (more sts per 4"), go up a needle size. If looser, go down a size.
• For extra warmth, use a smaller needle for the brim so it hugs the head better.
• To add a pompom: make securely and sew through both layers for folded brims. Use a button or small square of felt inside to reinforce attachment.
• Texture options: swap stockinette for seed stitch or include a simple 4-round cable panel; just ensure total stitch count remains compatible with your decrease scheme.

Troubleshooting

• If decreases look uneven, switch k2tog and ssk on alternate decrease rounds to balance leaning decreases.
• If brim is too floppy, shorten the length or use smaller needles.

If you need help adjusting for a specific yarn yardage, fit or adding a patterned motif, please contact us at team@verde.uk or tag your project #purljam on socials.

Pattern copyright PurlJam. For more patterns visit purljam.verde.uk.

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